After ten years, and two new jobs, Steve Alford finally apologized for the way he handled the Pierre Pierce sexual assault case at Iowa. Here’s Alford’s statement:

“At that time, I instinctively and mistakenly came to his defense before knowing all the facts. I wanted to believe (Pierce) was innocent, and in response to a media question, I publicly proclaimed his innocence before the legal system had run its course. This was inappropriate, insensitive and hurtful, especially to the young female victim involved, and I apologize for that. I have learned and grown from that experience and now understand that such proclamations can contribute to an atmosphere in which similar crimes go unreported and victims are not taken seriously.”

That is exactly what Alford should have said last week when asked about the Pierce debacle by an Orange County Register reporter. Instead, Alford took no responsibility, blamed the University of Iowa, and showed no concern for the victim. So why does Alford now sound like a different man? Because he’s taken a public beating from both L.A. reporters and UCLA fans, who didn’t want him in the first place. I hope Alford really is sorry, but the timing makes his statement come across as more desperate than heartfelt…

The I-Cubs open Friday. It’s BYOB. Bring Your Own Blanket…

Paul Rhoads suspends defensive end Willie Scott indefinitely after Iowa State University police cited Scott for pot possession. According to the Des Moines Register, Scott will still play in the spring game. Wait, what? I’m confused what indefinite suspension means. The Ames Tribune clears this up. Rhoads says it’s a “competition suspension”. Nope. Still confused…

Props to Cyclone women’s basketball fans. Iowa State ranked second in the nation in attendance. That’s remarkable. When Bill Fennelly arrived in Ames, you could fit the fans in a toll booth…

Sports reporter Michael Admire and photojournalist Brandon McCauley just returned from watching 42, the Jackie Robinson story. No, they didn’t include me. They blame the 10 pm newscast. Whatever. Anyway, they loved it. Here’s a quote from Brandon via text: “I told Admire I was disappointed that it ended. That’s how much I enjoyed it. The story overall was well told, and didn’t hold back on the uncomfortable parts. Harrison Ford was great, loved his character. It was one of those stories that makes you shake your head at history, and feel pretty good we’ve made it this far.”

And there’s more: Admire says, “A must see for all ages, baseball fan or not. I really wish I could have seen him play. Acting was impressive too.” Good gosh, these guys want to be movie critics. I just want to see 42…

The Barnstormers just got better. They came to terms with star receiver Jesse Schmidt. He’ll play Saturday night. Schmidt put up video game numbers last year. Seriously. 58 touchdowns in one season…

Sorry to learn Jay Groth is stepping down as wrestling coach at Des Moines Roosevelt. Groth is a great coach, and a good man. He helped many Roughriders win state titles, including the only undefeated, 4-time champ in state history, John Meeks. Groth also helped many kids who didn’t come close to winning championships. High schools, especially city schools, need coaches like Jay Groth…

If every Hawkeye fan who snapped up a free ticket to Sunday’s practice in West Des Moines shows up at Valley Stadium, there won’t be enough room. They’re counting on no-shows, and with bad weather and Masters Sunday, that seems likely. Then again, we are talking about Hawkeye football…

Tianlang Guan of China shot a 73 in his first round at The Masters. That’s a better number than defending champ Bubba Watson. Guan is 14. He’s in eighth grade. I was still roller skating and playing dodge ball in eighth grade.